It was already seven in the evening, and we were all sitting by the shore. A bonfire burned in the middle of our circle as we drank sake and chatted. Eisha had brought a speaker to play some background music, and I couldn’t help but laugh as I watched everyone dance.
My gaze drifted to Zeid, who seemed lost in thought. He sat quietly, drinking the liquor Lieutenant Arla had brought for him—he wasn’t a fan of sake.
I decided not to pay him any more attention and just enjoyed the moment. The fun lasted until around ten, by which point almost everyone was drunk. The only ones still somewhat sober were me, Captain Kaito, and Captain Kei, who could only shake their heads at the state of the others. Zeid was leaning against a log, holding his head, while Eisha sprawled on the sand, her head resting on Lieutenant Ren’s lap. Ren himself was propped against the same log, his head lolling onto Captain Masashi’s shoulder. The rest were either lying on the sand or barely conscious.
"This is exactly what I hate," Captain Kaito grumbled, but he still walked over and helped Captain Xu up. He signaled for the rest of us to follow, so I shrugged and went to assist the others.
I helped Eisha stand, but she was heavy. We nearly toppled over, but thankfully, Captain Kaito came to her rescue, supporting her from the other side. I smiled in thanks before we all made our way back to the beach house.
Getting everyone inside was a struggle—some were harder to handle than others. Captain Masashi, for example, kept muttering about fighting imaginary enemies. The only one left outside was Zeid, who hadn’t moved from his spot.
"What about him?" Captain Kei asked.
We exchanged glances. What about him?
"Huh? Aren’t we taking him inside?"
They looked at each other and then away.
"Captain Zeid’s… difficult to handle when he’s like this. We’ll go ahead. You deal with him!" Captain Kei winked before dragging Captain Kaito along.
I gaped. W-Wait, why me?!
I crouched in front of Zeid and studied his face. His eyes were closed—clearly asleep. I pinched his cheek lightly and tapped it a few times.
"Captain Chen? Hey…" I called, tapping again.
His eyes slowly opened, and he looked at me, dazed.
"Come on. I’ll take you inside."
I helped him stand, though we wobbled a bit before finding our balance. I wrapped an arm around his waist and guided him toward the beach house. Surprisingly, he wasn’t hard to handle—Captain Kei probably just wanted to leave him to me.
But just before we reached the stairs, Zeid stopped walking. I halted too, looking up at him.
"What’s wro—"
Before I could finish, he suddenly leaned down and kissed me.
My mind blanked. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst.
But—HE’S DRUNK!
As soon as my senses returned, I shoved him away, sending him tumbling onto the sand.
"S-Sorry!" I quickly helped him back up and half-dragged him inside, depositing him on the bed in the room he shared with Lieutenant Ren. After making sure he was settled, I bolted out, slamming the door behind me.
I clutched my chest, breathless.
He kissed me. Oh no, oh no, oh no!
I smacked my own face and shook my head.
That bastard.
Thankfully, I managed to sleep well after that. I woke up early, around seven, and sat up with a sigh, rubbing my head. My hair was a mess—no surprise, considering how much I’d tossed and turned before finally dozing off.
After fixing my hair, brushing my teeth, and washing my face, I headed out. The smell of something delicious led me to the kitchen, where Captain Xu was already cooking.
"Oh, Nyssa! Morning! Can you wake the others? I’m almost done cooking," she said cheerfully.
"No problem."
I grabbed a pot and a ladle and went to each room, banging them together like an alarm clock.
First was Eisha and Leigh’s room. The loud clanging jolted them awake, and they groaned before laughing at my method.
"Nice one!" Eisha cackled as she got up.
Next was Captain Kei and Lieutenant Arla’s room. They shot me death glares when I startled them awake, but I just yelled, "Breakfast is ready!" and sprinted out before they could retaliate.
Then came Zeid and Ren’s room.
Zeid was sleeping peacefully on his bed, but Lieutenant Ren? Not so much. His legs were splayed everywhere—one foot on Zeid’s stomach, the other near his head.
At least Zeid sleeps like a log. Otherwise, he’d have been smelling Ren’s feet all night.
I raised the pot, ready to bang it, but Zeid’s eyes suddenly snapped open. I nearly screamed.
Oh my god!
I still went through with it, though, startling Ren so badly that his foot kicked Zeid in the stomach.
"Pfftt! What the—?!" Zeid wheezed.
Ren’s eyes widened in horror as he scrambled to apologize.
"Sorry, Captain! Sorry!"
I bit back a laugh, especially when Zeid glared at me.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" he growled.
I ignored him and turned away.
"Captain Xu says breakfast is ready."
I left before he could say more, smirking to myself.
Next was Captain Masashi and Captain Kaito’s room.
Captain Kaito was already awake, eyeing me with irritation.
"So you’re the noisy one," he muttered, glancing at my pot and ladle.
"Sorry, Captain. Oh, and wake up that drunkard next to you."
I bowed and slipped out before he could react.
Back in the kitchen, Eisha and Leigh were already helping set the table.
"Your method seems effective," Captain Xu remarked.
"But Captain Zeid didn’t seem to like it—we heard him earlier! Hahaha!" Eisha laughed.
"Yeah, I noticed," Leigh added, grinning.
I helped finish setting up, and soon, everyone had gathered—including Zeid, who was still shooting me dirty looks.
Oh well. Too bad.
"Thanks for the meal!" we chorused before digging in.
I smiled to myself. I hadn’t expected this—being with them again, even if just for a short while.
"Hey, why are you in such a good mood?" Ren teased.
I shook my head.
"No reason."
But the others smiled knowingly before returning to their food.
Mmm… I’m happy to be here.
Still, I could feel Zeid’s heavy gaze on me. What’s his deal? Can’t take a joke? And he was awake earlier too.
My phone buzzed—Maxson was calling. I excused myself and stepped away.
"That guy we talked to before? He agreed. We can start building there," he said cheerfully.
"That’s great. Sorry again for—"
"I know you needed a break. Don’t worry, I’ve got this. Just enjoy yourself!"
"Thanks, Maxson."
There was a pause before he replied, sounding almost shy.
"Yeah. Be careful."
I smiled and returned to the table, only to find my plate piled with carrots.
I looked up.
Zeid sat across from me, not meeting my eyes—but I knew he was the one who put them there.
I shook my head, still smiling, and kept eating.